Abstract

Recent progress in viral oncology has heightened the expectation that some human cancers will be found to be caused by viruses. Not only have new viruses or families of viruses been discovered in association with spontaneously occurring neoplasms of avian and murine animals, but also, many previously known infectious viruses of various species, including man, have been found to possess oncogenic potential when tested under laboratory conditions. In addition, the newer methods and approaches being developed in the current intensive search for viruses in relation to cancer are bringing to light in both human and other animal systems "silent" infections